Stephen Metcalfe MP visits Ryedene Community Primary School to promote Christmas stamp competition

Stephen Metcalfe, local MP for South Basildon and East Thurrock, paid a visit to Ryedene Community Primary School this week to promote Royal Mail’s Christmas stamp competition.

When Mr Metcalfe arrived, the children were busy painting their designs for the competition which will give local primary schoolchildren the chance to create an official Christmas stamp for the first time in more than 30 years.

Launched by children’s author and illustrator Lauren Child, the competition is open to primary school aged pupils from 4-11, and will give two winners the chance to see their design used by millions of people sending festive greetings to friends and family across the country.

The theme of the competition is “What does the Christmas season mean to you?” and the designs can be religious or secular. As with all Special Stamps issued by Royal Mail, both winning designs will have to be approved by The Queen.

Two winning designs from children will be selected by a panel of judges, and their designs will appear on one of the 1^st and one of the 2^nd Class Christmas Stamps from this year’s range.

Mr Metcalfe wrote to all primary schools in South Basildon and East Thurrock encouraging them to take part in the competition and was said to be delighted that Ryedene Community Primary School are participating.

After his visit he commented: “It was brilliant to visit Ryedene and to see what ideas the children have had for their entries. It was great to see so many students getting involved - the standard really was fantastic and I wish every student the best of luck with their entry.”

“I would like to thank Royal Mail for giving the young people this once in a lifetime opportunity and I hope that this year I will be sending my Christmas cards using stamps designed by a child in South Basildon and East Thurrock!”